Ruth Pickles grew up in Carlisle and was a regular competitor in the Festival during the sixties: her name can be found on some of the piano trophies.
A one-time pupil of Dr F W Wadely, she went on to study piano and ‘cello at the Royal Academy of Music. After graduating, she chose to specialize in the ‘cello and, having first taught at Wyndham School in Egremont, she became a well known and respected music teacher throughout West Cumbria. Ruth played ‘cello and double bass in the City of Carlisle Orchestra for many years.